Nepalgunj Marathon Honored on Global Running Stage

Kathmandu. A community-based running campaign that began in Nepalgunj, western Nepal, has gained international recognition. Nepalgunj Marathon received the prestigious AIMS Social Award 2026 during the 25th World Congress of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races held in Tromsø, Norway.

T.S. Thakuri, founder of Nepalgunj Marathon, received the award from AIMS President Paco Borao. AIMS is a global organization of marathon and distance race organizers from around the world.

The honor was not given to Nepalgunj Marathon merely for organizing a competitive sporting event. The AIMS Social Award recognizes races that connect running with society, encourage community participation, promote health awareness, strengthen social harmony and use sport as a tool for positive change. In this sense, the award received by Nepalgunj Marathon is not only a sporting achievement for Nepal but also an international recognition of a social movement.

According to AIMS, the Social Award is presented on the basis of the quality of social initiatives and community engagement carried out by member races. Previous recipients of the award include internationally recognized events such as the Great Ethiopian Run, Tokyo Marathon, Munich Marathon, Belgrade Marathon and Harmony Geneva Marathon for UNICEF. Nepalgunj Marathon’s inclusion in that list is considered an important milestone for Nepal’s road-running culture.

Founded in 1982, AIMS works to promote distance running worldwide, support standards in course measurement, encourage exchange of knowledge among race organizers and strengthen international cooperation. The organization has 456 members in 116 countries and territories.

Nepalgunj Marathon is a full member of AIMS. Its marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer distances are officially listed as certified by AIMS. This has helped establish Nepalgunj Marathon not only as a local sporting festival but also as a road race conducted according to international standards.

Nepalgunj Marathon has been held continuously since 2015. According to the organizers, the race is linked to the commemoration of Nepal’s Comprehensive Peace Accord, which formally ended the country’s decade-long armed conflict. Originating from Nepalgunj, a major city in western Nepal affected by the conflict, the event has sought to bring together peace, harmony, health, sport and local tourism on a common platform.

The 25th AIMS World Congress was held in Tromsø from June 18 to 20, with the participation of marathon and distance race organizers from different countries. The congress was organized alongside the Midnight Sun Marathon. Tromsø, located near the Arctic Circle, is known for the natural phenomenon in which the sun does not set during the summer season. Because of this unique setting, the Midnight Sun Marathon holds a distinct identity in the global running community.

During his visit to Norway, Thakuri also completed the 10-kilometer race under the Midnight Sun Marathon. In a social media post, he said he was delighted to have taken part in an official race for the first time in his life and to have completed the 10-kilometer distance. He added that he was able to receive a medal after completing the 10 km race under the Midnight Sun Marathon, regarded as one of the world’s unusual running events because it takes place under the midnight sun, and expressed gratitude to all well-wishers.

The journey of a community running campaign from Nepalgunj to an international honor from AIMS is regarded as significant for the sporting identity of western Nepal. The achievement sends a message that marathon and road running in Nepal can go beyond medals and competition, serving also as a platform for community engagement, health, peace, tourism and international recognition.